Dodgers Reportedly Eyeing Cy Young-Caliber Arm Amid Pitching Concerns

Los Angeles could turn to free agent Lucas Giolito to bolster rotation depth.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:52pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing early-season questions about their starting rotation, with Roki Sasaki struggling in spring training and veteran Blake Snell sidelined with an injury. As a result, the team is reportedly considering signing free agent pitcher Lucas Giolito, a former All-Star who could provide valuable depth on an affordable deal.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are aiming for their third consecutive World Series title, but injuries and inconsistency in the rotation could threaten those championship aspirations. Adding an experienced arm like Giolito would give them more options and stability as they navigate the long MLB season.

The details

Sasaki, a highly touted Japanese prospect, posted a 13.50 ERA in spring training as he worked on adjusting his sinker. Meanwhile, Snell has not pitched at all in the preseason due to a shoulder issue, though the team expects him to return around the end of May. With those concerns in mind, the Dodgers are reportedly eyeing Giolito, who had strong seasons in 2019 and 2020 but has dealt with injuries and inconsistency more recently.

  • Sasaki struggled with his command and mechanics during spring training.
  • Snell has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and is expected to return around the end of May.
  • The Dodgers are reportedly considering signing free agent Lucas Giolito to bolster their rotation depth.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A highly touted Japanese pitching prospect who struggled with his command and mechanics during spring training for the Dodgers.

Blake Snell

A veteran starting pitcher for the Dodgers who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and is expected to return around the end of May.

Lucas Giolito

A free agent pitcher who is being considered by the Dodgers to provide depth and experience to their starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Roki Sasaki said he lost command when trying to work on his sinker in that third inning, causing his forearm to over-pronate. Wasn't able to make the adjustment until the next inning. Added through an interpreter that he wasn't concerned with his spring results (13.50 ERA).”

— Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic

“Roberts said Tommy Edman and Blake Snell are progressing. End of May for Edman is when he should be an option, Roberts said. Snell around the same time.”

— Dodgers insider

“A more realistic landing spot for Lucas Giolito would be the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's not like Giolito is looking for a record-breaking contract but most teams may not feel he is worth a risk. We all know the Dodgers have no issue spending money and he would provide them with some much needed depth in their rotation.”

— Austin Owens, FanSided

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Sasaki's progress and Snell's recovery as they evaluate their options for bolstering the starting rotation, including the potential signing of free agent Lucas Giolito.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' quest for a third straight World Series title faces early challenges with questions surrounding their starting pitching depth. Signing a veteran like Giolito could provide a cost-effective solution to shore up the rotation and give the team more options as they navigate the long MLB season.